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LA Rams (13-5) at Chicago (12-6)
- When: Jan 18 2026, 6:30 PM
- Where: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
- Where to watch: NBC/Peacock
- Last Meeting: CHI 24-18, September 29th, 2024
LA Rams vs Chicago Preview & Prediction
Spread: LA Rams -3.5
Moneyline: LA Rams (-195)
Total: 48.5
Los Angeles Rams Betting Overview
The Rams arrive in Chicago exactly where they expect to be. Playing meaningful January football with Matthew Stafford holding the keys and Sean McVay pulling the strings. Los Angeles has leaned into experience all season, and it continues to pay off when games tighten late.
Stafford remains calm under pressure and has shown he still has comeback magic left. What often gets overlooked is how well the Rams control games up front. Their offensive line has quietly been one of the most efficient units in football, opening lanes for the run game and buying time for Stafford to attack downfield. When that protection holds, Los Angeles can score in a hurry.
Defensively, the Rams are built to disrupt timing. Their pass rush generates pressure without needing to blitz, which becomes especially important against mobile quarterbacks. That ability to collapse the pocket and force quick decisions gives Los Angeles an edge in cold weather games where precision matters more than flash.
As 3.5 point favorites with the total set at 48.5, the Rams are being trusted to handle business against a young but dangerous opponent. Their playoff experience and situational awareness matter here.
Rams Player Prop Pick: Matthew Stafford over 274.5 passing yards – Stafford has been aggressive in playoff settings and should throw often against a Chicago defense that invites downfield attempts.
Chicago Bears Betting Overview
Chicago’s rise this season has been one of the league’s biggest surprises. A young roster, a new head coach, and a quarterback still writing his story have all come together faster than expected. The Bears thrive on momentum and emotional swings, and they just proved they can rally from deep holes under playoff pressure.
Caleb Williams has grown rapidly, especially when plays break down. His ability to extend drives with his legs has turned broken plays into explosive gains. That creativity fuels Chicago’s offense, but it also opens the door to mistakes when facing a disciplined pass rush.
The Bears want to control the game on the ground, but recent struggles running the ball raise concerns. If Chicago cannot stay ahead of the chains, Williams will be forced into longer dropbacks against a defense that specializes in closing quickly.
Cold conditions and playoff nerves add another layer of unpredictability. Chicago’s upside is real, but this matchup tests whether growth has fully caught up to expectations.
Bears Player Prop Pick: Caleb Williams over 36.5 rushing yards – Williams’ mobility remains a major weapon and should show up again as pressure forces him out of the pocket.
Betting Outlook & NFL Expert Prediction
Los Angeles is favored by 3.5 points, and that line reflects trust in experience and execution. Chicago’s energy and resilience will keep this close, but the Rams’ ability to win late possessions gives them the edge.
The total of 48.5 feels ambitious given the weather, but explosive plays are still in play on both sides.
Expect a competitive game early before Los Angeles capitalizes on one or two key mistakes.
Final Score: Rams 27, Bears 23
Lean: LA Rams -3.5
Total: Over 48.5
- NFL Football Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
